Best Grants for New Nonprofits in Arkansas

The Earl Campbell Tyler Rose High School Scholarship, administered by the East Texas Communities Foundation, supports graduating high school seniors pursuing higher education in any field at a college in the United States. Applicants must demonstrate financial need through FAFSA and are encouraged to have a background in varsity athletics. This scholarship reflects the foundation's commitment to empowering students and helping them achieve their educational aspirations.

The FY26 Vision Research Program's Investigator-Initiated Research Award (IIRA) offers funding for innovative research addressing eye injury and visual dysfunction due to military exposure. This award supports preclinical to early translational studies aligned with specific focus areas. Unique features include two funding levels and a Partnering Principal Investigator Option. Applications undergo rigorous peer review based on research rationale, strategy, and impact, with potential for sharing with the National Eye Institute for additional funding consideration.

The Jeanne L. Hammond Memorial Scholarship, funded by the BPW/Maine Futurama Foundation, supports Maine women pursuing undergraduate degrees or certifications. Established in 1962, it emphasizes financial need and community involvement, with a preference for journalism students and BPW members. This scholarship aims to empower women to achieve economic self-sufficiency and contribute positively to their communities.

Who We Are

The Community Foundation of Central Illinois will make a sustainable philanthropic impact in our community through visible leadership in connecting people who care with causes that matter.

MidAmerica National Bank’s Employees Children Scholarship Fund

The MidAmerica National Bank’s Employees Children Scholarship Fund was established in 2005 by MidAmerica National Bank to provide scholarship support to the children of bank employees. It is open to students graduating from high school or currently enrolled in an undergraduate college or vocational program.

The Max L. and Marilyn Harshman Scholarship, offered by the Ashland County Community Foundation, supports high school graduates who are in their senior year of college majoring in Social Work. Eligible applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0. This scholarship aims to assist students in pursuing their educational goals while contributing to the community through their chosen field.

The TPC Group Mark of Excellence Scholarship Program, administered by Scholarship America Inc, supports the children of full-time employees pursuing higher education. This initiative aims to eliminate financial barriers and promote educational access for students aged 24 and under. The program encourages academic achievement and assists those planning to enroll in accredited colleges or vocational schools, ensuring that eligible applicants receive the necessary support to realize their educational aspirations.

The John Lennon Endowed Scholarship, established by Yoko Ono to honor John Lennon, supports students attending UNCF member institutions. This initiative addresses financial need and promotes education among African American youth. With over $65 million awarded annually, UNCF empowers thousands of students, advocating for minority education and community engagement. Eligible applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0, complete a FAFSA, and demonstrate unmet financial need. This scholarship plays a crucial role in fostering future leaders.

Ezekiel Hennessey Mitchel Scholarship Fund

The Ezekiel Hennessey Mitchel Memorial Scholarship is designated for graduating high school seniors from Benton, Polk, Lincoln, and Linn Counties pursuing careers in vocations such as the following:

• Home building trades
• Tile setting
• Carpentry
• General contracting
• Electrical
• Plumbing
• HVAC
• Welding
• Entrepreneurship and/or small business development
• Other trades defined by Benton Community Foundation

Students must attain certificates or degrees from accredited trade schools, technical schools, or community colleges. 

The Women's Initiative for Screening and Health (WISH) aims to enhance women's health by improving access to preventive services. It focuses on updating HRSA-supported guidelines, increasing awareness of these guidelines, and promoting their adoption in clinical practice. By collaborating with healthcare providers, academic institutions, and patient organizations, WISH strives to implement a comprehensive strategy that benefits women's health across their lifespan.

Youth Service America

Youth Service America believes that youth, communities, and our democracy thrive when we all work together for the common good. YSA is a leading global nonprofit that activates young people, ages 5-25, to find their voice, take action, and acquire powerful civic and 21st Century skills as they solve problems facing their communities. YSA supports its activation campaigns with grants, training and resources, and recognition programs for young people and their adult champions. Youth-led projects use Awareness, Service, Advocacy, and Philanthropy (ASAP) strategies to create social and environmental change.

We Serve To Remember Grants

Projects that Engage 100 Youth Volunteers

YSA’s We Serve to Remember 9/11 Day of Service Grants are for organizations, schools, and youth changemakers ages 5-25 to lead service projects on or around September 11, 2026. Programming efforts should also honor and pay tribute to those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, their families, and those who rose in service in response to that tragedy. (We suggest starting with eleven reflections about 9/11/01 and related ideas for service or service-learning projects.)

Grantees are required to engage at least 100 youth as volunteers in planning and implementing the service activities.

What are we looking for?

• Projects must be youth-led;
• Projects must include elements to honor and pay tribute to those who lost their lives on 9/11, their families, and those who rose in service in response;
• Projects must take place on or around September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance (Friday, September 11, 2026) – between Friday, September 4 and Friday, September 18;
• Project organizers must make their best effort to recruit and engage youth volunteers who are not usually asked to serve;

Grantees are also required to provide evidence of volunteer participation and number of hours served. Approved documention includes sign in sheets, copies of pre-and-post-surveys, or reports from school attendance or volunteer management system. These documents must contain a unique identifier for each volunteer, such as the volunteer’s full first and last name, their full first name and last initial, or a volunteer/student ID number.

Reflecting on the spirit of togetherness that brought people together in the days, weeks, and months after September 11th, we are especially looking for ideas that bring together all members of the community.

The James P. & Mildred Gregg Zucco Scholarship, offered by the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from specific high schools who contribute to their school, church, or community. This scholarship awards an average of $750 to eligible students, with a focus on their dedication to local activities and service. It emphasizes the importance of community involvement and aims to assist students in their academic pursuits.

The SPARK Research Match Expansion initiative by the Simons Foundation aims to enhance autism research participation among undersampled groups. By providing incentives for participants in online surveys and other research methods, this program seeks to address the demographic disparities in clinical research. This funding opportunity encourages innovative studies that prioritize inclusivity, ensuring that the research reflects the diverse population of the United States, thereby advancing scientific discovery in autism and related fields.

The Raymond and Mary Jane Barry Educational Scholarship Fund, established by the Saginaw Community Foundation, aims to support students from Saginaw County pursuing careers in technical fields. With awards ranging from $500 to $4,000, this fund honors the Barrys' commitment to education and community service. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum 2.7 GPA and demonstrate enrollment in a Career and Technical Education program or an undergraduate degree. This scholarship encourages students to overcome challenges with humor and determination.

The Scholarship America Dream Award, established by Scholarship America Inc, aims to eliminate financial barriers to higher education for students. This program supports U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and DACA recipients, who are at least 17 years old and pursuing their first degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0. By partnering with various organizations, Scholarship America has provided over $5.7 billion in scholarships to millions, ensuring equitable access to education and fostering student success.

The MASOT Student Poster Awards, organized by the Society of Toxicology, invite graduate and undergraduate students to showcase their research at the annual meeting on November 5, 2025. Participants can win cash awards for their presentations. Eligible students must submit an extended abstract of up to 500 words and be members of MASOT. This event promotes scientific engagement and recognition for emerging toxicology scholars.

CAAM Fellowship

Maker and project development opportunity with a focus on nurturing mentor-fellow relationships within the Asian American documentary community.

The CAAM Fellowship Program aims to support documentary filmmakers developing Asian American stories by pairing selected Fellows with accomplished professionals as Mentors for six months to nurture both a project and the Fellow’s career in documentary filmmaking. 

These Mentors will be working one on one with their Fellows on their documentary projects and engage in virtual and in-person opportunities to nurture the full cohort. 

This year’s CAAM Fellowship is an opportunity to support filmmakers in the Midwest, a region that has been home to Asian Americans since before the U.S. was founded, especially for key sub-communities, such as the Hmong American community in Minneapolis, Michigan’s Muslim American communities, along with many others. This Fellowship continues CAAM’s commitment to uplifting nuanced, community-centered storytelling across the country.

The Fellowship includes one-on-one mentor meetings, monthly cohort gatherings, and participation in programs like the CAAMFest Filmmaker Summit and Ready, Set, Pitch! — building a lasting community of documentary makers.

The Pfizer Clostridioides difficile Research Collaboration aims to engage innovative researchers to explore the burden of C. difficile infections. Selected investigators will collaborate with Pfizer's medical team to design a research project and publication. The initiative covers multiple countries, including France and the US, acknowledging the significant health risks posed by C. difficile. Projects can request funding up to $500,000 USD, with a maximum duration of 12 months, emphasizing the urgent need for further studies in this area.

The Goossen Schroeder, Amber, Scholarship offers a $500 award for graduating seniors from Gage County with a minimum 3.0 GPA and ACT score. Managed by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, this scholarship aims to assist deserving students in pursuing higher education. Eligible applicants must complete the application independently and submit original letters of recommendation. The Foundation promotes academic excellence and civic involvement, awarding over $55,000 annually to support educational opportunities in the community.

The Pat Brady Community Service Scholarship, established by the Saginaw Community Foundation, honors the legacy of Pat Brady, a dedicated athlete and educator. Awarded annually to a deserving student-athlete from Saginaw County, this scholarship recognizes those who have demonstrated a commitment to their community while excelling in both athletics and academics. With a focus on supporting high school seniors pursuing higher education or vocational training, this scholarship fosters the development of future leaders in the community.

The Pama Brantley-Phillips Scholarship, established in 2001, honors a beloved special education teacher dedicated to helping students with disabilities. This scholarship aims to support individuals pursuing a degree in special education within the Tri-City area. With awards typically ranging from $500 to $4,000, it addresses the growing demand for skilled educators in special education, fostering a new generation of professionals who can make a meaningful impact in their communities.

United Institute for Theatre Technology

The United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT) connects performing arts design and technology communities to ensure a vibrant dialog among practitioners, educators, and students.

Driven by our core values of inclusion, excellence, and responsibility, we provide mentorship programs, exhibit opportunities, grant funding, awards, and other opportunities for our members and for the entertainment industry. 

Pat MacKay Diversity In Design Scholarships

Founded in 2019, and funded by LDI and Live Design, the goal of the Diversity In Design scholarships is to support underrepresented and unique voices in the field of entertainment design. The scholarships are named for Pat MacKay, former publisher of Theatre Crafts and Lighting Dimensions magazines and founder of the LDI Trade Show and Conference. MacKay is a USITT Fellow and has served as a mentor for multiple generations of industry professionals.

The Pat MacKay Diversity in Design scholarships are awarded to students currently enrolled in lighting, video/digital media, and sound design programs on an undergraduate level, as well as high school seniors who have been accepted to an undergraduate college, university, or community college design program.

Each student selected for one of the Pat MacKay Scholarships will receive up to $5,000, spread out over a maximum of eight semesters, or $1,250 per year, paid by semester directly to the school. In order for the students to get the next year’s payment, they must show progress toward their degree, show at least a 2.5 GPA, and provide a letter of support from their mentor with an update on how they are progressing as designers.

Our Story

The IBMA Foundation was created by the International Bluegrass Music Association in 2007 with a bequest from the Richard Barnhart estate. Mr. Barnhart was a musician from northern Virginia who loved bluegrass and wanted to support educational programs for children. Since the beginning, our goal has been to support bluegrass-music-related educational, literary, artistic and historic preservation activities.

In our early years we produced Discover Bluegrass, an educational video that has been used in thousands of classrooms and libraries around the world. We have hosted dozens of teacher workshops and artist trainings. We created a bluegrass lesson plan competition and provided a network for leaders of after-school bluegrass programs.

Our project grants, which now total $25,000 a year, support bluegrass-related initiatives throughout the world. We also fund Bluegrass in the Schools Mini-grants ($7,000/year) which help schools to hire bluegrass bands for school programs. The Rosenberg Bluegrass Scholar Award recognizes excellence in academic research. Six college scholarships are granted for students working in various areas of the bluegrass music industry. The Arnold Shultz Fund supports increased participation of people of color in bluegrass music with grants that total $30,000/ year. Fletcher Bright Memorial Grants for Young Musicians (age 18 and younger) help young people go to bluegrass music camps and workshops, take lessons, and purchase educational materials.

Fletcher Bright Memorial Grant for Young Musicians

The IBMA Foundation is proud to host the Fletcher Bright Memorial Grant for Young Musicians. The Bright family of Chattanooga, Tennessee; Thomas J. Brown of Dalton, Georgia; and Barbara Martin Stephens of Madison, Tennessee made combined gifts of $29,000 in 2020 to create the fund that will benefit young people interested in learning to play bluegrass music and endow it for decades to come.

The Bright family is committed to supporting the endowment, and they welcome donations from others interested in helping young musicians achieve their bluegass education goals.

Fletcher Bright Memorial Grants up to $500 per applicant are awarded to help cover expenses of lessons, educational materials, instrument rental or purchase, workshops, and camps. Young bluegrass musicians at all levels may apply for assistance. Financial need will be considered, but is not required to receive a Bright grant. Applications for Bright grants may be made throughout the year.

The ASTRO-PCF Young Investigator Award, a collaboration between the Prostate Cancer Foundation and the American Society for Radiation Oncology, supports early-career researchers in prostate cancer. It offers $225,000 over three years to young investigators under 35, enabling them to further their research and career. Awardees are required to participate in the Annual PCF Scientific Retreat and Young Investigator Forum, fostering a community dedicated to advancing the field of radiation oncology.

The Motherless Queen Scholarship Fund, established by Linda Hope, honors her mother’s legacy and supports college students who have lost their mothers. For over 30 years, the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee has been committed to fostering positive change in Nashville's community. This scholarship specifically aids students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities, especially those with ties to Florida A&M University, promoting educational opportunities and honoring the value of education.

The Penny Ann Powers Scholarship Fund, managed by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports students pursuing an Associate Degree or vocational training. Eligible applicants include current high school seniors, college students, and adult learners with a high school diploma. This renewable scholarship emphasizes support for single mothers over 40 and requires a minimum GPA of 3.0. The fund aims to enhance educational opportunities and contribute to community development in the USA.

The Marvin and Janice Brandle Scholarship, offered by the Saginaw Community Foundation, supports students pursuing Career and Technical Education (CTE) in Saginaw County. Eligible applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.0, demonstrate financial need, and be enrolled full- or part-time in an undergraduate or graduate program. Scholarships typically range from $500 to $4,000, addressing the growing demand for skilled workers in trades such as welding, carpentry, and electrical work.

The Robert Sr. and Mary Churchwell Scholarship Fund, established by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, honors the legacy of Robert Churchwell, Sr., a pioneering African American journalist, and Mary Elizabeth Buckingham Churchwell, a dedicated educator. This scholarship supports journalism students who demonstrate commitment and excellence in their field. Eligible candidates must maintain a 3.0 GPA and submit an essay on the role of journalism today. The fund aims to empower future journalists to reflect the diversity of the communities they serve.